Originally Posted by FOX SPORTS

The reconstruction of the Indians' bullpen continues.

Free-agent right-hander Keith Foulke is leaning toward signing with Cleveland, though a deal likely will not be completed until after Christmas, FOXSports.com has learned.
Foulke, 34, received multi-year offers, according to a source, but he is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Indians, possibly with a player or mutual option.

His agent, Dan Horwits, has informed other interested clubs that Foulke is close to a deal, and that they should pursue other options.

Foulke would be the fourth free-agent reliever signed by the Indians this off-season, joining right-handers Joe Borowski and Roberto Hernandez and left-hander Aaron Fultz.

Both Foulke and Borowski have significant experience as closers, but Foulke likely would be the leading candidate to pitch the ninth inning. When the Indians signed Borowski, they did not promise him the closer's role.

Foulke, however, has battled injuries the past two seasons, and has not closed regularly since helping lead the Red Sox to the World Series title in 2004. The Indians likely would wait to see how both Foulke and Borowski performed in spring training before deciding between the two.

Rookie Jonathan Papelbon replaced Foulke as the Red Sox's closer last season. Foulke went on the disabled list with right elbow tendonitis on June 12 and missed more than two months. After returning, he posted a 2.04 ERA in his final 15 appearances.

Ken Rosenthal is FOXSports.com's senior baseball writer.